null

[ nuhl ]

adjective

1. without value, effect, consequence, or significance.
2. being or amounting to nothing; nil; lacking; nonexistent.
3. Mathematics. (of a set)
   1. empty.
   2. of measure zero.
4. being or amounting to zero.

noun

1. Electronics. a point of minimum signal reception, as on a radio direction finder or other electronic meter.

verb (used with object)

1. to cancel; make null.

null

/ nʌl /

adjective

1. without legal force; invalid; (esp in the phrase null and void )
2. without value or consequence; useless
3. lacking distinction; characterless

   a null expression

4. nonexistent; amounting to nothing
5. maths
   1. quantitatively zero
   2. relating to zero
   3. (of a set) having no members
   4. (of a sequence) having zero as a limit
6. physics involving measurement in which an instrument has a zero reading, as with a Wheatstone bridge

null

/ nŭl /

1. Of or relating to a set having no members or to zero magnitude.

Word History and Origins

Origin of null¹

1555–65; < Latin nūllus, equivalent to n ( e ) not + ūllus any

Word History and Origins

Origin of null¹

C16: from Latin nullus none, from ne not + ullus any

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. null and void, without legal force or effect; not valid:

   This contract is null and void.

Example Sentences

“If you don’t come up with something positive, that 22 acres is null and void,” he told Miller.

From Los Angeles Times

“With muguka having been recognised by national legislation, any other laws or orders that contradict national legislation is null and void,” Mr Ruto said in a statement issued by the president's office.

From BBC

“Can be anything,” Samson said, “a rent abatement, some sort of extra flow of funds from general revenue, or it can be as far as, hey, this non-relocation agreement becomes null and void.”

From Los Angeles Times

Jeff Mandell, attorney for the criminal justice groups, argued Wednesday that the three measures were not properly submitted to the people and must be declared null and void.

From Seattle Times

They didn't want to dwell on the null audience points, with Mills saying Alexander was a "world class performer" and has "nothing to be embarrassed about".

From BBC

Related Words

• ineffective
• inoperative
• invalid
• unreal
• worthless